Sources: Ex-BC coach Skinner a UMass Lowell candidate

LOWELL -- It's still anyone's guess as to who will be the next men's basketball coach at UMass Lowell.

The window of speculation remains wide open. However, one prominent name thought to be in the mix when official interviews begin in the near future is former Boston College head coach Al Skinner.

According to sources, there is mutual interest between Skinner and UML. UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan didn't provide names of any of the top candidates for the position when he was contacted by phone Tuesday. But he did say the school has heard from "many outstanding, very-qualified candidates."

UMass Lowell is using a search firm to help in the search process. The committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday to determine how to move forward, and which candidates will be interviewed.

"This is a challenge," said Meehan. "We're looking for folks with an outstanding track record, and with Division 1 experience. We've heard from coaches with experience at top-notch programs, and young and hungry assistants from Division 1 programs. I have been impressed with the caliber of coaches that we've received interest from.

"I'd say in most cases, coaches are coming to us with interest. They recognize the commitment that our university has made to athletics, starting with the success of the hockey team. The potential for basketball at UMass Lowell -- at the Tsongas Center -- is enormous. It's exciting.

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The River Hawks are joining the Division 1 America East Conference next season but have a four-year waiting period to become eligible for the postseason, per NCAA rules. Former head coach Greg Herenda left the school two weeks ago to become head coach at D1 Fairleigh Dickinson.

Skinner, who will be 61 next month, coached at Boston College from 1997-2010, compiling a record of 247-165. He took the Eagles to the Sweet 16 in 2006 and the NCAA Tournament seven times. He also coached at the University of Rhode Island from 1988-97.

Skinner was fired by BC in 2010. It was a messy breakup that was widely publicized.

Other notable names rumored to be in the mix for the UML job include current Emerson College and former Boston College and Ohio State coach Jim O'Brien, Williams College coach Mike Maker, Northeastern assistant Pat Duquette, Florida Atlantic assistant Mike Jarvis II, and former NBA veteran Walter McCarty.

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